U.S. patent application number 14/671702 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for image forming apparatus having developing unit in which developing device is movably disposed.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Hirotaka Mori, Shougo Sato, Makoto Souda.
Application Number | 20150205253 14/671702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49003006 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150205253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sato; Shougo ; et
al. |
July 23, 2015 |
Image Forming Apparatus Having Developing Unit in Which Developing
Device is Movably Disposed
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a
photosensitive drum rotatably supported in the main body; a
developing unit detachably accommodated in the main body in a
direction along an axis of the photosensitive drum in a state where
the photosensitive drum is disposed in the main body. The
developing unit includes: a developer carrying member configured to
carry developer for supplying the developer to the photosensitive
drum; a developing frame supporting the developer carrying member;
and a supporting assembly configured to support the developing
frame such that, in a state where the developing unit is
accommodated in the main body, the developing frame is movable
between a proximity position where the developer carrying member
and the photosensitive drum being positioned adjacent to or in
contact with each other and a separation position where the
developer carrying member and the photosensitive drum being
separated from each other.
Inventors: |
Sato; Shougo; (Seto-shi,
JP) ; Mori; Hirotaka; (Nagoya-shi, JP) ;
Souda; Makoto; (Nagoya-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
49003006 |
Appl. No.: |
14/671702 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13773682 |
Feb 22, 2013 |
9026002 |
|
|
14671702 |
|
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|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 21/1821 20130101;
G03G 21/1676 20130101; G03G 21/1817 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03G 21/16 20060101
G03G021/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 29, 2012 |
JP |
2012-044038 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing unit
including: a developer carrying member configured to carry
developer; a developing frame supporting the developer carrying
member; and a coupling configured to receive a driving force; a
main body including: a main casing; a photosensitive drum supported
by the main casing and configured to receive the developer from the
developer carrying member, the photosensitive drum being configured
to rotate about a rotational axis; and a guide member configured to
guide movement of the developing unit relative to the main casing
in a first direction parallel to the rotational axis during
attachment or detachment of the developing unit relative to the
main casing; and a movable member movable between a first position
and a second position in accordance with input of the driving
force, the movable member being configured to move the developing
frame from a separation position to a proximity position while the
movable member moves from the second position to the first position
in a state where the developing unit is attached to the main
casing, the developer carrying member contacting the photosensitive
drum when the developing frame is at the proximity position, the
developer carrying member being separated from the photosensitive
drum when the developing frame is at the separation position.
2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
developing unit comprises the movable member.
3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a supporting assembly configured to support the
developing frame, the supporting assembly comprising a first spring
configured to apply a force to move the developing frame in a
direction from the separation position toward the proximity
position.
4. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
supporting assembly further comprises a second spring configured to
apply a force to move the movable member in a direction from the
first position toward the second position.
5. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
movable member is a cam.
6. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
supporting assembly has an end portion positioned upstream in the
first direction, the upstream end portion being provided with a
gripping portion for user's gripping during attachment or
detachment of the developing unit relative to the main casing.
7. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
movable member comprises the coupling configured to receive the
driving force to move the movable member, the movable member having
an end portion positioned downstream in the first direction and the
coupling being provided at the downstream end portion of the
movable member.
8. An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing unit
including: a developer carrying member configured to carry
developer; a developing frame supporting the developer carrying
member; and a coupling configured to receive a driving force; a
main body including: a main casing; a photosensitive drum supported
by the main casing and configured to receive the developer from the
developer carrying member, the photosensitive drum being configured
to rotate about a rotational axis; and a guide member configured to
guide movement of the developing unit relative to the main casing
in a first direction parallel to the rotational axis during
attachment or detachment of the developing unit relative to the
main casing; and a movable member movable between a first position
and a second position in accordance with input of the driving
force, the movable member being configured to move the developing
frame from a separation position to a proximity position while the
movable member moves from the second position to the first position
in a state where the developing unit is attached to the main
casing, a distance between the developer carrying member and the
photosensitive drum at the proximity position being smaller than a
distance between the developer carrying member and the
photosensitive drum at the separation position.
9. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
movable member is a cam and provided on the developing unit, and
wherein the developing unit further comprises a spring configured
to apply a force to move the cam in a direction from the first
position toward the second position.
10. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further
comprising a sheet tray disposed in the main casing, the sheet tray
being configured to accommodate a sheet therein and to supply the
sheet for image formation, wherein the developing unit is disposed
between the sheet tray and the photosensitive drum when the
developing unit is attached to the main casing.
11. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further
comprising a supporting assembly supporting the developing
frame.
12. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
developing unit comprises the movable member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/773,682 filed Feb. 22, 2013, which claims priority from
Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-044038 filed Feb. 29, 2012.
The entire contents of the above-noted applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic type
image forming apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There is conventionally known an electrophotographic type
image forming apparatus including a main frame and a process
cartridge detachably mountable in the main frame.
[0004] For example, there is proposed a process cartridge
integrally having a photosensitive drum and a developing unit
including a developing roller, and the process cartridge is
detachably attached to a main frame of an image forming apparatus
in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum.
[0005] Service life of such process cartridge generally depends
upon the service life of the developing unit which is comparatively
shorter than that of the photosensitive drum.
[0006] In the above image forming apparatus, since the process
cartridge integrally has the photosensitive drum and developing
unit, both the photosensitive drum and developing unit need to be
replaced simultaneously when the service life of the developing
unit is reached. Thus, there is a limit in reduce running cost.
[0007] Thus, there is a demand to develop an image forming
apparatus in which a developing unit can be detachably attached to
a main frame independently of a photosensitive member.
[0008] In such an image forming apparatus, in order to prevent
interference between a developing roller and the photosensitive
member during attachment and detachment of the developing unit
relative to the main frame, the developing unit needs to movable
between a position at which the developing roller and
photosensitive member contact each other (contact position) and a
position at which the developing roller and photosensitive member
are separated from each other (separation position).
[0009] As such image forming apparatus in which the developing unit
is configured to be movable in this manner, there is proposed an
electrophotographic copier whose main frame (copier body) is
provided with a photosensitive belt and a guide rail configured to
be movable with respect to the main frame. A developing unit is
configured to be attached/detached relative to the main frame while
being guided by the guide rail. Moving the guide rail in a state
where the developing unit has been attached to the main frame
permits the developing unit to move between the contact position
and the separation position.
[0010] In this electrophotographic copier, the developing unit is
attached to/detached from the main frame when the developing unit
is at the separation position.
SUMMARY
[0011] However, in this electrophotographic copier, the developing
unit is attached to and detached from the main frame while being
guided by the guide rail which is movable relative to the main
frame. Therefore, attachment/detachment of the developing unit with
respect to the main frame may become unstable.
[0012] As a result, the developing roller and photosensitive belt
may interfere with each other during attachment/detachment of the
developing unit, thereby possibly causing damages to the developing
roller and photosensitive belt.
[0013] Incidentally, it is conceivable that such interference
between the developing roller and photosensitive belt can be
prevented if a sufficient gap is ensured between the developing
roller and photosensitive belt. However, providing such a gap
inevitably leads to increase in size of the entire
electrophotographic copier.
[0014] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing
running costs, preventing damages to a photosensitive drum and
developer carrier, and realizing downsizing of the image forming
apparatus.
[0015] In order to attain the above and other objects, the present
invention provides an image forming apparatus including a main
body, a photosensitive drum, and a developing unit. The
photosensitive drum is rotatably supported in the main body, the
photosensitive drum defining an axis. The developing unit is
detachably attachable to the main body in an attachment direction
along the axis of the photosensitive drum in a state where the
photosensitive drum is disposed in the main body. The developing
unit includes: a developer carrying member configured to carry
developer thereon for supplying the developer to the photosensitive
drum; a developing frame supporting the developer carrying member;
and a supporting assembly configured to support the developing
frame such that the developing frame is movable between a proximity
position and a separation position in a state where the developing
unit is accommodated in the main body. When the developing frame is
at the proximity position, the developer carrying member and the
photosensitive drum being positioned adjacent to or in contact with
each other, and when the developing frame is at the separation
position, the developer carrying member and the photosensitive drum
being separated from each other.
[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
an image forming apparatus including: a main body; a photosensitive
drum; a developing unit; and a guide member. The photosensitive
drum is disposed in the main body, the photosensitive drum being
configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The developing unit
includes: a developer carrying member configured to supply
developer to the photosensitive drum; a developing frame supporting
the developer carrying member; and a supporting assembly supporting
the developing frame. The guide member is configured to support the
supporting assembly in the main body and guide movement of the
supporting assembly relative to the main body in an attachment
direction along the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. The
developing frame is configured to move between a proximity position
and a separation position in a state where the developing unit is
attached to the main body, a distance between the developer
carrying member and the photosensitive drum when the developing
frame is at the proximity position being smaller than a distance
between the developer carrying member and the photosensitive drum
when the developing frame is at the separation position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The particular features and advantages of the invention as
well as other objects will become apparent from the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a general
construction of a color printer as an example of an image forming
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the color printer of
FIG. 1 taken along a line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein a developing
unit is accommodated in a main casing;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the color printer of
FIG. 1 taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 1, wherein a
developing unit is pulled out from the main casing;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developing unit shown in
FIG. 1 as viewed from upward and frontward thereof;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a right side view of the developing unit shown in
FIG. 1, the developing unit including a developing device and a
unit frame;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a right side view of the developing unit shown in
FIG. 1, wherein the developing device is removed from the unit
frame;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a front side view of the developing unit shown in
FIG. 1, wherein a developing frame of the developing device is at a
separation position;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a front side view of the developing unit shown in
FIG. 1, wherein the developing frame of the developing device is at
a proximity position;
[0026] FIG. 6C is a rear side view of the developing unit of FIG.
6B;
[0027] FIG. 7A is a rear side view of a developing unit mountable
in a color printer according to a second embodiment of the present
invention, wherein a developing frame is at a separation
position;
[0028] FIG. 7B is a rear side view of the developing unit mountable
in the color printer according to the second embodiment of the
present invention, wherein a developing frame is at a proximity
position;
[0029] FIG. 8A is a front side view of a developing unit mountable
in a color printer according to a third embodiment of the present
invention, wherein a developing frame is at a separation
position;
[0030] FIG. 8B is a front side view of the developing unit
mountable in the color printer according to the third embodiment of
the present invention, wherein the developing frame is at a
proximity position;
[0031] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit of
FIG. 8A;
[0032] FIG. 9A is a front side view of a developing unit mountable
in a color printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention, wherein a developing frame is at a separation position;
and
[0033] FIG. 9B is a front side view of the developing unit
mountable in the color printer according to the fourth embodiment
of the present invention, wherein the developing frame is at a
proximity position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] A printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
described while referring to FIGS. 1 through 6C.
1. Overall Structure of the Printer
[0035] The printer 1 is a horizontal color printer employing an
intermediate-transfer type.
[0036] The printer 1 is a multifunction device that integrally
includes a casing 2 and a flat head scanner 3 disposed above the
main casing 2. The flat head scanner 3 functions to read
information on images from an original.
[0037] The printer 1 also includes a sheet supply unit 4 and an
image forming unit 5 disposed within the main casing 2. The sheet
supply unit 4 functions to supply sheets P to the image forming
unit 5. The image forming unit 5 functions to form images on the
sheets P supplied from the sheet supply unit 4.
[0038] (1) Main Casing
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main casing 2 is generally
box-shaped. The main casing 2 has one side in which a main body
aperture 8 is formed (see FIG. 2). The main casing 2 also includes
a front cover 6 that is pivotally movable about its lower end
portion (see FIG. 2) so as to open and close the main body aperture
8. FIG. 2 shows a state where the front cover 6 closes the front
cover 6, and FIG. 3 shows a state where the front cover 6 opens the
main body aperture 8.
[0040] In the following description, the side at which the front
cover 6 is provided is defined as a front side of the printer 1,
while the side opposite to the front side will be defined as a rear
side of the printer 1. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the left side
corresponds to the front side, and the right side corresponds to
the rear side of the printer 1.
[0041] Further, left and right sides of the printer 1 will be
defined based on an orientation in which the printer 1 is viewed
from its front side. That is, in FIG. 1, the left side is defined
as a left side of the printer 1, and the right side is a right side
of the printer 1. The near side of FIG. 1 corresponds to the front
side, and the far side of FIG. 1 corresponds to the rear side of
the printer 1.
[0042] (2) Sheet Supplying Unit
[0043] The sheet supply unit 4 includes a sheet supply tray 7 for
accommodating the sheets P therein. The sheet supply tray 7 is
detachably attached to a bottom portion of the main casing 2.
[0044] The sheets P accommodated in the sheet supply tray 7 are fed
between a sheet supply roller 10 and a sheet supply pad 11 by
rotation of a pickup roller 9, and then separated one by one by
rotation of the sheet supply roller 10. Then, each sheet P is
sequentially fed upward, while passing between the sheet supply
roller 10 and each pinch roller 12, and toward between a pair of
registration rollers 13. Subsequently, each sheet P is supplied, at
a predetermined timing, to the image forming unit 5 (between an
intermediate transfer belt 38 (to be described later) and a
secondary transfer roller 35 (to be described later)) by rotation
of the registration rollers 13.
[0045] (3) Image Forming Unit
[0046] The image forming unit 5 is disposed upward of the sheet
supply unit 4 and includes a process unit 14, a transfer unit 18,
and a fixing unit 19.
[0047] (3-1) Process Unit
[0048] The process unit 14 is disposed above the sheet supply tray
7 and includes a drum unit 15, a plurality of (four) developing
units 16, and a plurality of (four) LED units 17.
[0049] (3-1-1) Drum Unit
[0050] The drum unit 15 is disposed at an upper end portion of the
process unit 14. The drum unit 15 integrally holds a plurality of
(four) photosensitive drums 21, a plurality of (four) scorotron
chargers 22, and a plurality of (four) drum cleaning rollers
23.
[0051] The four photosensitive drums 21 corresponding to four
colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan) are arranged in parallel
spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction. That is,
the photosensitive drum 21 defines an axis extending in a
front-rear direction.
[0052] The scorotron chargers 22 are disposed to correspond to the
photosensitive drums 21 respectively. Each scorotron charger 22 is
disposed to oppose the corresponding photosensitive drum 21 at a
position diagonally below rightward thereof with a space provided
therebetween.
[0053] The drum cleaning rollers 23 are also provided to correspond
to the respective photosensitive drums 21. Each drum cleaning
roller 23 is disposed above the corresponding scorotron charger 22
such that the drum cleaning roller 23 is in contact with the
corresponding photosensitive drum 21 from rightward thereof.
[0054] (3-1-2) Developing Unit
[0055] The plurality of (four) developing units 16 are provided to
correspond to the plurality of (four) photosensitive drums 21. As
will be descried in detail later, each developing unit 16 is
configured to slide in the front-rear direction between a mounted
position (FIG. 2) and a detached position (FIG. 3). In the mounted
position, the developing unit 16 is mounted in the main casing 2,
while in the detached position the developing unit 16 is withdrawn
from the main casing 2.
[0056] In the mounted position, each developing unit 16 is
positioned diagonally leftward and downward of the corresponding
photosensitive drum 21. The developing units 16 are juxtaposed in
the left-right direction when accommodated in the main casing 2.
More specifically, a black developing unit 16K, a yellow developing
unit 16Y, a magenta developing unit 16M, and a cyan developing unit
16C are arrayed in line from the left side to right side.
[0057] Each developing unit 16 includes a developing device 24 and
a unit frame 25, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0058] The developing device 24 is accommodated in the unit frame
25. Each developing device 24 includes a developing roller 26, a
supply roller 27, a thickness regulating blade 28 and a toner
chamber 29.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the developing roller 26 is
rotatably supported to an upper end portion of the developing
device 24 so as to be exposed therefrom upward (diagonally upward
and rightward). The developing roller 26 is configured to be
brought into contact with the corresponding photosensitive drum 21
from below and leftward thereof when the developing unit 16 is
mounted in the main casing 2.
[0060] The supply roller 27 is provided for supplying toner to the
developing roller 26. The thickness regulating blade 28 is provided
for regulating a thickness of the toner supplied to the developing
roller 26. The toner chamber 29 is disposed below the supply roller
27 for storing toner of a corresponding color (black, yellow,
magenta, or cyan).
[0061] The toner chamber 29 is configured of a first chamber 32 and
a second chamber 33 disposed adjacent to each other in the
left-right direction. The first chamber 32 corresponds to a
left-side portion of the toner chamber 29, while the second chamber
33 corresponds to a right-side portion of the toner chamber 29. The
first chamber 32 and the second chamber 33 are both formed in a
substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right
direction, but the second chamber 33 has an inner diameter larger
than that of the first chamber 32. An agitator 30 for agitating the
toner is disposed in each inner space of the first chamber 32 and
second chamber 33 at a position substantially center thereof. The
inner spaces of the first chamber 32 and the second chamber 33 are
in fluid communication with each other.
[0062] Further, the unit frame 25 of the black developing unit 16K
integrally retains, at the left side thereof, a substantially
box-shaped waste toner chamber 31.
[0063] (3-1-3) LED Unit
[0064] The LED units 17 are supported to the main casing 2 such
that each LED unit 17 is disposed in correspondence with the
corresponding developing unit 16 so as to oppose the same from
below. The LED unit 17 exposes a surface of the corresponding
photosensitive drum 21 based on predetermined image data.
[0065] (3-2) Transfer Unit
[0066] The transfer unit 18 is disposed above the process unit 14
and includes a belt unit 34 and the secondary transfer roller
35.
[0067] The belt unit 34 is disposed in the left-right direction so
as to face each of the four photosensitive drums 21 from above.
[0068] The belt unit 34 includes a drive roller 36, a follow roller
37, the intermediate transfer belt 38, a plurality of (four)
primary transfer rollers 39, and a belt cleaner 40.
[0069] The drive roller 36 and follow roller 37 are disposed in
opposition to and in separation from each other in the left-right
direction.
[0070] The intermediate transfer belt 38 is an endless belt
disposed above the photosensitive drums 21 such that a lower
portion of the intermediate transfer belt 38 opposes and contacts
each of the photosensitive drums 21. The intermediate transfer belt
38 is stretched taut and mounted on the drive roller 36 and follow
roller 37. As the drive roller 36 rotates, the follow roller 37 is
caused to rotate via the intermediate transfer belt 38. The
intermediate transfer belt 38 is thus circularly movable such that
the lower portion thereof contacting the photosensitive drums 21
moves from left to right.
[0071] The plurality of (four) primary transfer rollers 39 are
provided in an internal space of the intermediate transfer belt 38
such that each primary transfer roller 39 opposes the corresponding
photosensitive drum 21 via the lower portion of the intermediate
transfer belt 38.
[0072] The belt cleaner 40 is disposed above a left end portion of
the intermediate transfer belt 38. The belt cleaner 40 includes a
belt cleaning roller 54, an opposing roller 55, a relay roller 56,
and a waste toner storage portion 57.
[0073] The belt cleaning roller 54 is provided upward of the
intermediate transfer belt 38 so as to oppose the opposing roller
55 via the intermediate transfer belt 38 in a top-down
direction.
[0074] The relay roller 56 is disposed leftward of the belt
cleaning roller 54 so as to be in contact with the same.
[0075] The waste toner storage portion 57 has a substantially
rectangular box shape in a side view, and is disposed leftward of
the relay roller 56. The waste toner storage portion 57 has a right
side wall in which an opening is formed to penetrate therethrough
in the left-right direction. A scraping blade 58 is provided at a
peripheral end portion of the opening.
[0076] The toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate
transfer belt 38 (waste toner) is cleaned by the belt cleaning
roller 54, once retained by the relay roller 56, and scraped by the
scraping blade 58 to be fed to the waste toner storing portion 57
through the opening. The waste toner stored in the waste toner
storing portion 57 is conveyed to the waste toner chamber 31 (of
the black developing unit 16K) to be stored therein through a waste
toner conveying pipe 59 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) connecting between a
rear end of the waste toner storing portion 57 and a rear end of
the waste toner chamber 31.
[0077] The secondary transfer roller 35 is provided on the right
side of the belt unit 34 and opposes the drive roller 36 via the
intermediate transfer belt 38.
[0078] (3-3) Fixing Unit
[0079] The fixing unit 19 is disposed upward and leftward of the
secondary transfer roller 35. The fixing unit 19 includes a heat
roller 41 and a pressure roller 42. The pressure roller 42 is
positioned diagonally upward and rightward of the heat roller 41 so
as to be in pressure contact with the heat roller 41.
[0080] (3-4) Image Forming Operation
[0081] (3-4-1) Developing Operation
[0082] Toner accommodated in the toner chamber 29 is supplied to
the supply roller 27 by the agitators 30, and then supplied onto
the surface of the developing roller 26.
[0083] As the developing roller 26 rotates, the toner on the
developing roller 26 is regulated by the thickness regulating blade
28 and carried on the surface of the developing roller 26 as a thin
layer having a uniform thickness.
[0084] Meanwhile, in accordance with rotation of the photosensitive
drum 21, the surface of each photosensitive drum 21 is positively
charged by the corresponding scorotron charger 22 and then exposed
to light by the corresponding LED unit 17. Accordingly, an
electrostatic latent image based on an image to be formed on the
sheet P is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum
21.
[0085] As the photosensitive drum 21 further rotates, the toner
borne on the surface of the developing roller 26 is supplied to the
electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the
corresponding photosensitive drum 21. In this way, the
electrostatic latent image is developed into a visible toner image,
and the toner image is carried on the surface of each
photosensitive drum 21.
[0086] (3-4-2) Transfer/Fixing Operations
[0087] The toner image carried on the surface of each
photosensitive drum 21 is sequentially superimposed onto the lower
portion of the intermediate transfer belt 38 running from left to
right (primary transfer). A color image is thus formed on the
surface of the intermediate transfer belt 38.
[0088] The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 38 is then
transferred onto the sheet P supplied from the sheet supply unit 4,
while the intermediate transfer belt 38 passes between the
secondary transfer roller 35 and the drive roller 36 (secondary
transfer).
[0089] The color image transferred onto the sheet P is then
thermally fixed thereto with heat and pressure in the fixing unit
19, while the sheet P passes between the heat roller 41 and the
pressure roller 42.
[0090] (4) Sheet Discharge
[0091] The sheet P on which the color image has been fixed in the
fixing unit 19 is then discharged onto a discharge tray 45 formed
on an upper surface of the main casing 2.
[0092] (5) Flat Head Scanner
[0093] The flat head scanner 3 is disposed above the discharge tray
45. In the flat head scanner 3, an original is placed between a
pressing cover 47 and a glass surface 48. Image data on the
original is then scanned by a slidable CCD sensor 49.
[0094] Based on the scanned image data, images can be formed on the
sheet P in the image forming unit 5, as described above.
2. Detailed Structure of the Main Casing
[0095] As shown in FIG. 2, the main casing 2 includes an outer
casing 60 constituting an outer shape of the color printer 1 and an
inner casing 61 provided inside the outer casing 60.
[0096] The outer casing 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular
box shape in a side view, and includes the front cover 6 at a front
end thereof.
[0097] The inner casing 61 is formed in a substantially rectangular
box shape in a side view. The inner casing 61 has dimensions large
enough to accommodate therein the sheet supply unit 4 (see FIG. 1)
and the image forming unit 5 in the up-down direction and in the
left-right direction. The inner casing 61 is accommodated within
the outer casing 60 such that the inner casing 61 is displaced
frontward so as to have its rear wall spaced away from a rear wall
of the outer casing 60.
[0098] The inner casing 61 includes a partition wall 65 and four
main body couplings 66.
[0099] The partition wall 65 has a substantially flat-plate shape.
The partition wall 65 is provided between the sheet supply tray 7
and the developing units 16 in the up-down direction such that the
partition wall 65 vertically partitions an internal space of the
inner casing 61 into a unit accommodating space 67 and a sheet
supply tray accommodating space 68. The unit accommodating space 67
is positioned above the sheet supply tray accommodating space
68.
[0100] Four guide portions 69 are fixed to an upper surface of the
partition wall 65. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, four guide
portions 69 are provided to correspond to the four developing units
16, respectively.
[0101] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each guide portion 69 is
formed in a substantially tray-like shape (see FIG. 2).
Specifically, each guide portion 69 has a substantially U-like
shape in a front view (see FIG. 1) and extends in the front-rear
direction. That is, the guide portion 69 is opened at its front and
its top. The guide portion 69 has an inner surface having a shape
in conformance with an outer shape of a lower end portion of the
corresponding unit frame 25. The guide portion 69 has inner
dimensions (lengths in the left-right direction and in the
front-rear direction) substantially equal to outer dimensions
(lengths in the left-right direction and in the front-rear
direction) of the unit frame 25.
[0102] Further, the length of the guide portion 69 in the
front-rear direction is shorter than a length of the partition wall
65 in the front-rear direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the guide
portion 69 is fixed to the upper surface of the partition wall 65
such that the guide portion 69 has a front end portion generally
coincident with a front end portion of the partition wall 65 in the
front-rear direction. As a result, the guide portion 69 has a rear
end portion spaced apart from a rear wall of the inner casing 61 in
the front-rear direction.
[0103] The main body couplings 66 are provided in correspondence
with four developing units 16 to be accommodated within the inner
casing 61. The main body couplings 66 are disposed between the rear
end portion of corresponding guide portion 69 and the rear wall of
the inner casing 61. Each main body coupling 66 is rotatably
supported by the rear wall of the inner casing 61. Each main body
coupling 66 has a front end portion on which a coupling portion 70
is provided. The coupling portion 70 has a substantially columnar
shape extending in the front-rear direction.
3. Detailed Structure of the Drum Unit
[0104] (1) Drum Frame
[0105] The drum unit 15 includes, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a pair
of drum frames 51 disposed in opposition to and in separation each
other in the front-rear direction.
[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 1, each drum frame 51 has a
substantially flat plate-like shape elongated in the left-right
direction. Each drum frame 51 has a lower edge portion in which
four unit grooves 52 are formed.
[0107] Each unit groove 52 is formed by cutting a portion of the
drum frame 51 therefrom, the portion overlapping with the
developing device 24 of the corresponding developing unit 16 (upper
end portion of the corresponding developing device 24) when the
developing unit 16 is projected in the front-rear direction.
[0108] More specifically, the unit groove 52 corresponding to the
black developing unit 16K is formed by cutting a left end portion
of the drum frame 51. The unit groove 52 extends rightward from a
vertically center of the left end portion of the drum frame 51 and
then slopes downward toward the right.
[0109] Each of the other three unit grooves 52 corresponding to the
developing units 16Y, 16M, and 16C (yellow developing unit 16Y,
magenta developing unit 16M, and cyan developing unit 16C) has a
substantially U-shape that is open downward. Each unit groove 52 is
formed by cutting a portion of the lower edge portion of each drum
frame 51 upward therefrom.
[0110] For each developing unit 16, the photosensitive drum 21,
scorotron charger 22, and drum cleaning roller 23 described above
are supported between the pair of drum frames 51.
[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 21 has a
substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear
direction. Both end portions of the photosensitive drum 21 are
rotatably supported by the respective drum frames 51. That is, the
photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably provided relative to the main
casing 2.
4. Detailed Structure of the Developing Unit
[0112] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
black developing unit 16K, yellow developing unit 16Y, magenta
developing unit 16M, and cyan developing unit 16C are juxtaposed in
the left-right direction. The four developing units 16 have the
same configuration as one another except in that: only the black
developing unit 16K is provided with the waste toner chamber 31;
and the black developing unit 16K has a gripping portion 83 (to be
described later) provided at a position different from those of the
gripping portions 83 of the other developing units 16. Thus,
hereinafter, detailed descriptions will be given on the black
developing unit 16K, and descriptions for the developing units 16Y,
16M, and 16C will be omitted.
[0113] (1) Unit Frame
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the unit frame 25 has a
substantially U-like shaped side view that is open upward. The unit
frame 25 includes a unit front wall 73, a unit rear wall 74, and a
unit bottom wall 75. The unit front wall 73 and unit rear wall 74
are disposed to oppose each other in the front-rear direction with
a space provided therebetween. The unit bottom wall 75 spans
between lower end portions of the unit front wall 73 and unit rear
wall 74.
[0115] In the present embodiment, the unit front wall 73 and unit
rear wall 74 have the same configuration as each other. Thus,
hereinafter, the unit front wall 73 will be described in detail,
and descriptions of the unit rear wall 74 will be omitted.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the unit front wall 73 has a
substantially rectangular flat plate-like shape in a front
view.
[0117] The unit front wall 73 includes two guide holes 76 and a
spring anchoring portion 77.
[0118] The two guide holes 76 are formed to be spaced away from
each other in the up-down direction. As will be described later,
the guide holes 76 are positioned to correspond to a large-diameter
boss 102 and a small-diameter boss 103 of the developing device 24,
respectively. Each guide hole 76 has a substantially ellipsoidal
shape in a front view and is elongated in a direction X (see FIG.
6B) in which the photosensitive drum 21 and developing roller 26
oppose each other (to be referred to as "opposing direction X"
hereinafter). Each guide hole 76 has a major axis substantially 1.5
times longer than an outer diameter of the corresponding boss
(large-diameter boss 102 or small-diameter boss 103), while having
a minor axis substantially equal to the outer diameter of the
corresponding boss (large-diameter boss 102 or small-diameter boss
103).
[0119] The spring anchoring portion 77 is provided diagonally
upward and rightward of the lower guide hole 76 (see FIG. 6A). As
shown in FIG. 4, the spring anchoring portion 77 is formed in a
substantially columnar shape, protruding frontward from a front
surface (outer surface in the front-rear direction) of the unit
front wall 73.
[0120] The unit bottom wall 75 has a substantially flat plate-like
shape extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1,
the unit bottom wall 75 has an upper surface on which a shaft
support portion 78 is provided. Specifically, the shaft support
portion 78 is disposed at a left end portion of the upper surface
of the unit bottom wall 75.
[0121] The shaft support portion 78 has a generally triangular
shape in a front view, and extends in the front-rear direction. The
shaft support portion 78 has an upper surface that opposes the
first chamber 32 of the developing device 24 when the developing
device 24 is accommodated in the corresponding unit frame 25. This
upper surface of the shaft support portion 78 serves as a spring
support surface 79. The spring support surface 79 has a generally
arcuate-shape in a front view, curving upward toward the left.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the unit frame 25 includes a pair
of coil springs 80, a movable member 81, a pair of tension springs
82 (see FIG. 6A), and the gripping portion 83.
[0123] The coil springs 80 are formed as an air-cored coil, and are
fixed to both front and rear end portions of the spring support
surface 79 such that each coil spring 80 defines an axis extending
in a direction substantially parallel to the opposing direction X
(see FIG. 6B).
[0124] The movable member 81 includes a pivot shaft 91, a pair of
front and rear cams 90, and a unit coupling 92 (FIGS. 5B and
6C).
[0125] The pivot shaft 91 has a substantially columnar shape
extending in the front-rear direction. The pivot shaft 91 is
rotatably supported by the shaft support portion 78 so as to
penetrate through the same in the front-rear direction at a
position substantially center thereof (see FIG. 1). Further, both
front and rear end portions of the pivot shaft 91 protrude outward
in the front-rear direction from the unit front wall 73 and unit
rear wall 74, respectively.
[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, each cam 90 is a flat plate
having a substantially fan-like shape whose center angle is about
60 degrees. Each cam 90 has a restriction hole 93 and an anchoring
hole 94.
[0127] Hereinafter, the up-down direction, front-rear direction,
and left-right direction of the cam 90 will be referred to assuming
that the cam 90 is located at a second position (a state shown in
FIG. 6A).
[0128] The restriction hole 93 has a generally arcuate shape
extending in a circumferential direction of the cam 90 and
penetrates through the cam 90 at a position substantially center
thereof. The restriction hole 93 has an outer peripheral edge
serving as a restriction portion 95 and an allowance portion
96.
[0129] The restriction portion 95 corresponds to a leftward portion
of the outer peripheral edge of the restriction hole 93 in the
circumferential direction. The restriction portion 95 extends
substantially linearly toward rightward and downward from an
upper-left corner of the outer peripheral edge in a front view.
[0130] The allowance portion 96 corresponds to a rightward portion
of the outer peripheral edge of the restriction hole 93 in the
circumferential direction. The allowance portion 96 continuously
extends from a right end portion of the restriction portion 95 so
as to form a curve in conformance with a circumference of the cam
90.
[0131] The anchoring hole 94 has a substantially circular shape in
a front view. The anchoring hole 94 is positioned generally above
the restriction portion 95 of the restriction hole 93 to penetrate
through the cam 90.
[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the front and rear cams 90 are
positioned outward of the unit front wall 73 and unit rear wall 74
in the front-rear direction, respectively such that the unit frame
25 is interposed between the front and rear cams 90 in the
front-rear direction. The front and rear cams 90 are disposed so as
to overlap (be coincident) with each other when projected in the
front-rear direction (see FIGS. 6B and 6C).
[0133] The front and rear cams 90 are fixed, each at a portion
adjacent to its center-angle, to the front and rear end portions of
the pivot shaft 91 respectively.
[0134] Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the front and rear
cams 90 are integrally and pivotably movable about the pivot shaft
91. Specifically, the front and rear cams 90 are pivotably movable
between a first position (shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C) and the second
position (shown in FIG. 6A). In the first position, each cam 90 is
positioned to have its left edge portion extending in parallel to
the up-down direction. In the second position, each cam 90 is
positioned to have its lower edge extending in parallel to the
left-right direction.
[0135] As illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6C, the unit coupling 92 is
fixed to a portion connecting the rear cam 90 and the rear end
portion of the pivot shaft 91. The unit coupling 92 is formed in a
substantially hollow cylindrical shape and extends rearward from
the connecting portion. The unit coupling portion 92 has an inner
diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the coupling
portion 70 (FIG. 2) that is to be coupled to the unit coupling
92.
[0136] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, each tension spring 82 is
disposed to extend in the left-right direction. The tension spring
82 has a left end portion fixed to the anchoring hole 94, and a
right end portion fixed to the spring anchoring portion 77.
[0137] With the above configuration, each cam 90 is normally biased
rightward due to a tensile force of the tension spring 82 such that
the cam 90 is maintained at the second position. The tensile force
of the tension springs 82 is set larger than a force attributed to
the biasing force of the coil springs 80 that acts in a direction
causing the cams 90 to pivotally move toward the first position.
However, when each cam 90 is at the second position, the biasing
force of the coil springs 80 is received by the restriction portion
95 of each restriction hole 93 through the small-diameter boss 103
(to be described later). Therefore, the force attributed to the
biasing force of the coil springs 80 that acts in the direction
causing each cam 90 to pivotally move toward the first position
becomes smaller than the actual biasing force of the coil springs
80. Thus, the tensile force of the tension springs 82 may be set
smaller than the actual biasing force of the coil springs 80,
provided that the tensile force of the tension springs 82 is larger
than the force generated by the biasing force of the coil springs
80 that acts in the direction to move the cam 90 toward the first
position.
[0138] The gripping portion 83 has a substantially U-like shape
that is open rearward in a top view, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0139] The gripping portion 83 has both distal end portions fixed
to an upper-left portion of a front end portion of the unit frame
25. More specifically, in the black developing unit 16K, the left
distal end portion is fixed to an upper-left end portion of a front
wall of the waste toner chamber 31, and the right distal end
portion is fixed to an upper-left end portion of the unit front
wall 73. In the developing units 16Y, 16M, and 16C, distal end
portions of the gripping portion 83 are fixed to an upper-left end
portion of the unit front wall 73 such that the gripping portion 83
spans across and over the upper guide hole 76 (refer to FIGS. 9A
and 9B).
[0140] (2) Developing Device
[0141] The developing device 24 includes a developing frame 98, as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0142] The developing frame 98 has a generally hollow prismatic
cylindrical shape whose top and right sides are opened (see FIG.
1). The developing frame 98 extends in the front-rear direction.
The developing frame 98 has a front end portion closed by a
developing front wall 99, and a rear end portion closed by a
developing rear wall 100.
[0143] In the present embodiment, the developing front wall 99 and
developing rear wall 100 have the same configuration as each other.
Thus, hereinafter, a detailed description will be given on the
developing front wall 99, and descriptions for the developing rear
wall 100 will be omitted.
[0144] The developing front wall 99 has a front (outer) surface on
which a guided portion 101 is provided. The guided portion 101
includes the large-diameter boss 102 and the small-diameter boss
103.
[0145] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the large-diameter boss 102 is
disposed at an upper-left portion of the front surface of the
developing front wall 99. The large-diameter boss 102 is formed in
a substantially cylindrical shape, and protrudes frontward from the
front surface of the developing front wall 99 (see FIG. 5A).
[0146] The small-diameter boss 103 is disposed below the
large-diameter boss 102 with a distance defined therefrom in the
up-down direction. The small-diameter boss 103 has a substantially
cylindrical shape and protrudes frontward than the front wall of
the developing front wall 99 (see FIG. 5A). The small-diameter boss
103 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter
boss 102, and, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, has a protruding length
longer than that of the large-diameter boss 102 in the front-rear
direction.
[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the developing roller 26 is
rotatably supported between upper end portions of the developing
front wall 99 and developing rear wall 100 and is exposed upward
and rearward. The toner chamber 29 is held between lower end
portions of the developing front wall 99 and developing rear wall
100.
[0148] The developing device 24 is accommodated in the unit frame
25 in such a manner that the large-diameter boss 102 and
small-diameter boss 103 are inserted into the corresponding guide
holes 76 from inside thereof, and the small-diameter boss 103 is
further inserted into the corresponding restriction hole 93 from
its inside (see FIG. 6C).
[0149] Under this construction, since the large-diameter boss 102
and small-diameter boss 103 are guided by the corresponding guide
holes 76, the developing frame 98 is movable in the opposing
direction X (see FIG. 6B) between a proximity position (shown in
FIGS. 6B and 6C) and a separation position (shown in FIG. 6A). In
the proximity position, the photosensitive drum 21 and developing
roller 26 are brought close to or into contact with each other. In
the separation position, the photosensitive drum 21 and developing
roller 26 are separated from each other.
[0150] In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 and
developing roller 26 are in contact with each other when the
developing frame 98 is at the proximity position (FIGS. 6B and
6C).
[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the coil springs 80 are disposed
between the shaft support portion 78 and the first chamber 32
(outer surface of the first chamber 32). Thus, the developing frame
98 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 21 by the biasing force
of the coil springs 80 so as to cause the developing frame 98 to be
displaced at the proximity position. At this time, the cams 90 are
at the first position
[0152] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the cams
90 are at the second position, the small-diameter boss 103 of the
developing frame 98 penetrates through the restriction hole 93, and
the small-diameter boss 103 has its upper-right portion abutted on
the restriction portion 95 of the restriction hole 93. Thus, when
the cams 90 are at the second position, the developing frame 98 is
restricted from moving upward and rightward and is normally placed
at the separation position against the biasing force of the coil
springs 80.
5. Attachment/Detachment of the Developing Unit Relative to the
Main Casing
[0153] Attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16 with respect
to the main casing 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0154] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in order to mount the developing
unit 16 into the main casing 2, first the front cover 6 is opened.
A user then holds the gripping portion 83 and inserts the
developing unit 16 into the unit accommodating space 67 from its
front side.
[0155] The lower end portion of the unit frame 25 of the developing
unit 16 is thus inserted into the corresponding guide portion 69
from its front side. That is, the guide portion 69 supports the
unit frame 25 from below, and the unit frame 25 is moved in an
attachment direction Y (from the front to the rear, see FIG. 3)
while being guided by the guide portion 69. At this time, the
developing unit 24 is moved to pass the corresponding unit groove
52 (see FIG. 1).
[0156] As the developing unit 16 (unit frame 25) is further moved
rearward in the attachment direction Y and the unit rear wall 74
reaches the rear end portion of the guide portion 69 as illustrated
in FIG. 2, the unit coupling 92 is coupled to the coupling portion
70 of the main body coupling 66. Specifically, the unit coupling 92
receives the coupling portion 70 therein from radially outward
thereof.
[0157] Thus, attachment of the developing unit 16 to the main
casing 2 (unit accommodating space 67) is completed, whereupon the
developing unit 16 is positionally fixed relative to the main
casing 2. This position of the developing unit 16 will be referred
to as a mounted position, whenever necessary.
[0158] For detaching the developing unit 16 from the main casing 2
(unit accommodating space 67), the above-described attaching
operation is performed in reverse.
[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the developing unit 16 is pulled
frontward from the unit accommodating space 67, while the unit
frame 25 is guided by the corresponding guide portion 69. As a
result, the developing unit 16 is detached from the main casing 2
(unit accommodating space 67) and is located at a detached
position.
[0160] The attachment/detachment direction of the developing unit
16 relative to the main casing 2 is coincident with the axial
direction of the photosensitive drum 21 (i.e., front-rear
direction). That is, when the drum unit 15 is mounted in the main
casing 2, the developing unit 16 can be attached/detached relative
to the main casing 2 in the front-rear direction.
6. Contact/Separation of the Developing Roller Relative to the
Photosensitive Drum
[0161] Contact/separation of the developing roller 26 with/from the
photosensitive drum 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A
through 6C.
[0162] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, in the developing unit 16, the
developing frame 98 is normally at the separation position. That
is, the developing roller 26 and photosensitive drum 21 are
separated from each other.
[0163] Hence, in order to carry out image forming operations, the
developing frame 98 needs to be displaced to the proximity position
(FIG. 6B) so as to bring the developing roller 26 into contact with
the photosensitive drum 21. To achieve this, a drive force from a
motor (not illustrated) provided in the main casing 2 is inputted
to the unit coupling 92 of the movable member 81 through the
coupling portion 70 of the main body coupling 66.
[0164] As a result, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cams 90
of the movable member 81 are pivotally moved, against the biasing
force (tensile force) of the tension springs 82, about the pivot
shaft 91 in a pivoting direction A (counterclockwise direction in a
front view; shown by a solid arrow in FIGS. 6A to 6C). The cams 90
are thus moved from the second position (shown in FIG. 6A) to the
first position (shown in FIG. 6B).
[0165] In accordance with pivotal movement of the cams 90, the
restriction portion 95 is moved in the pivoting direction A, while
being slid against the small-diameter boss 103, since the
developing frame 98 is biased by the coil springs 80 (see FIG. 1)
toward the photosensitive drum 21.
[0166] When the cams 90 are positioned at the first position as
shown in FIG. 6B, contact (abutment) between the restriction
portion 95 and small-diameter boss 103 is released, and the
allowance portion 96 reaches the upper-right side of the
small-diameter boss 103. At this instance, the allowance portion 96
and small-diameter boss 103 oppose each other in the opposing
direction X with a slight gap kept therebetween.
[0167] Hence, the developing frame 98 is allowed to move upward and
rightward, due to the biasing force of the coil spring 80 (see FIG.
1), until the small-diameter boss 103 abuts on the allowance
portion 96. The developing frame 98 is thus moved upward and
rightward to reach the proximity position. The developing roller 26
and photosensitive drum 21 are thus brought into contact with each
other.
[0168] That is, at the first position, the front and rear cams 90
of the movable member 81 cause the developing frame 98 to be placed
at the proximity position, while, at the second position, the front
and rear cams 90 cause the developing frame 98 to be placed at the
separation position.
[0169] In other words, the unit frame 25 holds the developing frame
98 such that the developing frame 98 is movable between the
proximity position and the separation position when the developing
unit 16 is mounted in the main casing 2.
[0170] Moving the developing frame 98 from the separation position
to proximity position is thus completed.
[0171] For moving the developing frame 98 from the proximity
position to separation position, the above-described operation for
moving the developing frame 98 from the separation position to
proximity position is performed in reverse.
[0172] Further, when the developing unit 16 is moved (pulled)
frontward from the main casing 2, connection (coupling) between the
unit coupling 92 and the coupling portion 70 (see FIG. 2) of the
main body coupling 66 is released. The cams 90 are therefore moved
from the first position (FIG. 6B) to the second position (FIG. 6A)
due to the tensile force of the tension springs 82, thereby
allowing the developing frame 98 to be displaced from the proximity
position to the separation position.
7. Technical Advantages
[0173] (1) As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the color printer 1, the
developing unit 16 can be attached to/detached from the main casing
2 in a state where the drum unit 15 (photosensitive drum 21) is
accommodated in the main casing 2. The developing unit 16 having a
shorter service life than that of the photosensitive drum 21 can
therefore be replaced independently of the photosensitive drum
21.
[0174] Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the unit frame
25 of the developing unit 16 holds the developing frame 98 such
that the developing frame 98 is movable between the proximity
position and separation position. Thus, the developing frame 98 can
be placed at the separation position during attachment/detachment
of the developing unit 16, thereby preventing sliding contact
between the developing roller 26 and photosensitive drum 21.
[0175] Further, compared to a configuration in which
attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16 relative to the
main casing 2 is guided by a movable member, the above-described
construction of the present embodiment can achieve more stable
attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16 relative to the
main casing 2.
[0176] Hence, even if a distance between the developing roller 26
and photosensitive drum 21 is set smaller when the developing frame
98 is at the separation position, interference between the
developing roller 26 and photosensitive drum 21 can be prevented at
the time of attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16
relative to the main casing 2.
[0177] Therefore, running costs can be reduced, while the
photosensitive drum 21 and developing roller 26 can be prevented
from being damaged. Also, downsizing of the color printer 1 can be
realized.
[0178] (2) Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the guide portion 69
for guiding the movement of the unit frame 25 during
attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16 relative to the
main casing 2 is fixed to the partition wall 65 of the main casing
2.
[0179] Thus, when the developing unit 16 is mounted in and
dismounted from the main casing 2, the unit frame 25 is reliably
guided by the corresponding guide portion 69.
[0180] As a result, the developing unit 16 is prevented from moving
(rattling) in a direction perpendicular to a guiding direction of
the guide portion 69 (front-rear direction) during
mounting/detachment of the developing unit 16. Interference between
the developing roller 26 and photosensitive drum 21 can therefore
be prevented reliably.
[0181] The photosensitive drum 21 and developing roller 26 can
therefore be reliably prevented from being damaged, and a further
reduction in size of the color printer 1 can be achieved.
[0182] (3) Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the coil springs 80
for biasing the developing frame 98 toward the proximity position
are provided on the spring support surface 79 of the unit frame
25.
[0183] Therefore, due to the biasing force of the coil springs 80
biasing the developing frame 98 toward the proximity position, the
developing roller 26 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 21
when the developing frame 98 is at the proximity position. Thus,
the developing roller 26 is positioned with accuracy relative to
the photosensitive drum 21 when the developing frame 98 is at the
proximity position.
[0184] (4) Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the unit
frame 25 has the pair of front and rear cams 90 that is movable
between the first position (FIG. 6B) to bring the developing frame
98 at the proximity position and the second position (FIG. 6A) to
bring the developing frame 98 at the separation position.
[0185] Therefore, through a simple configuration, the developing
frame 98 can be reliably moved between the proximity position and
separation position.
[0186] (5) Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the pair of front
and rear cams 90 allows the developing frame 98 to be positioned at
the separation position against the biasing force of the coil
springs 80.
[0187] Therefore, despite the provision of the coil springs 80 (see
FIG. 1) in the unit frame 25, the developing frame 98 can be
reliably located at the separation position.
[0188] That is, relative positioning accuracy between the
developing roller 26 and photosensitive drum 21 when the developing
frame 98 is at the proximity position can be improved, whereas, the
developing frame 98 can be reliably displaced to be at the
separation position during mounting/dismounting of the developing
unit 16 relative to the main casing 2.
[0189] (6) Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the movable member 81
includes the unit coupling 92 to which the drive force for moving
the cam 90 is inputted. The unit coupling 92 is provided at a
portion of the movable member 81, the portion connecting between
the rear cam 90 and the rear end portion of the pivot shaft 91
(i.e., downstream end portion in the attachment direction Y in
which the developing unit 16 is attached to the main casing 2).
[0190] Thus, the drive force can be reliably inputted to the
movable member 81, while ensuring efficient arrangement of the unit
coupling 92. Due to the inputted drive force, the cams 90 are
allowed to move between the first position and second position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C.
[0191] (7) Further, the unit frame 25 has the tension springs 82
for biasing the cams 90 toward the second position.
[0192] Thus, the cams 90 are normally at the second position, and
the developing frame 98 can be normally positioned at the
separation position.
[0193] As a result, interference between the developing roller 26
and photosensitive drum 21 can be reliably prevented while the
developing unit 16 is being attached/detached relative to the main
casing 2.
[0194] In particular, even if the color printer 1 is powered off
due to unforeseen circumstances such as blackout, the developing
frame 98 can be displaced to the separation position by releasing
the coupling (connection) between the unit coupling 92 and coupling
portion 70 (see FIG. 2) of the main body coupling 66.
[0195] As a result, even in case of occurrence of unforeseen
circumstances such as blackout, the developing roller 26 and
photosensitive drum 21 can be prevented from sliding against each
other during detachment of the developing unit 16 from the main
casing 2.
[0196] (8) Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the unit frame 25
has, at its front end portion (upstream end portion in the
attachment direction Y), the gripping portion 83 for
attaching/detaching the developing unit 16 relative to the main
casing 2.
[0197] Thus, the user can hold the gripping portion 83 when
mounting and detaching the developing unit 16 relative to the main
casing 2. Smooth attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16
relative to the main casing 2 can be ensured.
[0198] In particular, suppose that the gripping portion 83 is
provided at the developing device 24 (developing frame 98). In this
case, the attachment/detachment operation of the developing unit 16
could be unstable, since the developing frame 98 is movable in the
opposing direction X (see FIG. 6B). As a result, conceivably, the
developing roller 26 is caused to slide against the photosensitive
drum 21. However, in contrast, when the gripping portion 83 is
provided at the unit frame 25 as in the present embodiment, the
above problem can be prevented.
8. Second Embodiment
[0199] Next, a developing unit 216 according to a second embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
7A and 7B.
[0200] In FIGS. 7A and 7B, like parts and components will be
designated with the same reference numerals as those of the first
embodiment to avoid duplicating description. Further, in order to
duplicate description, a construction different from that of the
first embodiment will only be described in the following
description.
[0201] In the first embodiment, the developing frame 98 is movable
in the opposing direction X between the proximity position (see
FIG. 6B) and separation position (see FIG. 6A). In contrast, in the
second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a developing
frame 298 is pivotably movable about a pivot shaft 205 between the
proximity position (shown in FIG. 7B) and separation position
(shown in FIG. 7A) (described later) with respect to a pivoting
direction B indicated by an arrow in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0202] Specifically, the developing frame 298 is provided with the
pivot shaft 205.
[0203] The pivot shaft 205 is formed in a substantially columnar
shape extending in the front-rear direction. The pivot shaft 205
has both front and rear end portions non-rotatably supported to the
developing frame 298 each at a lower-right end portion thereof. The
front and rear end portions protrude outward in the front-rear
direction from a developing front wall 299 and a developing rear
wall 200, respectively.
[0204] The front and rear end portions of the pivot shaft 205 are
rotatably supported by a unit front wall 273 and a unit rear wall
274, respectively (the unit front wall 273 is not shown in FIGS. 7A
and 7B). In other words, a developing device 224 is supported to a
unit frame 225 so as to be pivotally movable in the pivoting
direction B.
[0205] In the second embodiment, a guide hole 276 corresponding to
the small-diameter boss 103 is formed in a substantially
ellipsoidal shape generally extending in the up-down direction.
However, unlike the first embodiment, the upper guide hole 76
corresponding to the large-diameter boss 102 is not necessary to be
formed in each of the unit front wall 273 and unit rear wall
274.
[0206] The developing device 224 is moved to the proximity position
(FIG. 7B) from the separation position (FIG. 7A) due to the biasing
force of the coil springs 80 provided on the unit frame 225, as in
the first embodiment. The developing device 224 is moved to the
separation position (FIG. 7A) from the proximity position (FIG. 7B)
due to the tensile force of the tension springs 82, as in the first
embodiment.
[0207] In this second embodiment, the same technical advantages as
those in the first embodiment can be achieved.
[0208] Further, in the second embodiment, the cams 90 may be
provided at only one of the front and rear end portions of the
pivot shaft 91. Also in this case, the developing frame 298 is
reliably pivotally movable between the proximity position (see FIG.
7B) and separation position (see FIG. 7A). This construction can
serve to a further reduction in number of parts.
9. Third Embodiment
[0209] Next, a developing unit 316 according to a third embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
8A to 8C.
[0210] In FIGS. 8A through 8C, like parts and components will be
designated with the same reference numerals as those of the first
embodiment to avoid duplicating description. Further, in order to
duplicate description, a construction different from that of the
first embodiment will only be described in the following
description.
[0211] In the first embodiment, the coil springs 80 are disposed
between the shaft support portion 78 and the first chamber 32, as
shown in FIG. 1. In the third embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.
8C, the coil springs 80 are not provided between the shaft support
portion 78 and the first chamber 32 of the developing device
24.
[0212] Instead of the coil springs 80 of the first embodiment, in
the third embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, a pressing member
accommodating groove 306 is formed in each of front and rear cams
390 in a unit frame 325. A pressing member 307 is accommodated in
each pressing member accommodating groove 306.
[0213] The pressing member accommodating groove 306 is formed in
continuous with an inner peripheral edge of the restriction hole
93. Specifically, the pressing member accommodating groove 306 is
formed as a recessed portion that is depressed radially inward
toward the pivot shaft 91 from a rightward portion (upstream end
portion in the pivoting direction A) of the inner peripheral edge
of the restriction hole 93.
[0214] Each pressing member 307 includes a pivoting portion 308 and
a coil spring 309.
[0215] The pivoting portion 308 is formed in a substantially
arcuate shape in a front view. The pivoting portion 308 has a left
end portion (downstream end portion in the pivoting direction A) at
which a pivot shaft 310 is provided. The pivot shaft 310 is
rotatably supported to a peripheral portion of the inner peripheral
edge of the corresponding restriction hole 93, thereby allowing the
pivoting portion 308 to pivotally move relative to the
corresponding cam 390.
[0216] Each coil spring 309 is disposed to extend in the radial
direction of the corresponding cam 390. The coil spring 309 has one
end fixed to a deepest portion of the pressing member accommodating
groove 306, and another end fixed to a radially inner surface of a
right end portion (upstream end portion in the pivoting direction
A) of the pivoting portion 308. That is, the coil spring 309 is
disposed between the deepest portion of the pressing member
accommodating groove 306 and the right end portion (upstream end
portion in the pivoting direction A) of the pivoting portion
308.
[0217] With this structure, the right end portion of the pivoting
portion 308 is normally biased outward in the radial direction of
the cam 390 and, accordingly, the pivoting portion 308 functions to
press the corresponding small-diameter boss 103 from below.
Therefore, the cams 390 are normally placed at the second
position.
[0218] When the cam 390 is at the second position, the upper-right
portion of the small-diameter boss 103 abuts on the restriction
portion 95, and the upper-left portion of the small-diameter boss
103 abuts on a left end edge (downstream end portion in the
pivoting direction A) of the restriction hole 93.
[0219] When the cams 390 is located at the second position, the
developing frame 98 is restricted from moving upward and rightward
to be placed at the separation position against the biasing force
of the coil spring 309.
[0220] When the cam 390 is moved from the second position to the
first position (see FIG. 8B), the allowance portion 96 reaches the
upper-right portion of the small-diameter boss 103 to be in
opposition to and in separation from the small-diameter boss 103 in
the opposing direction X.
[0221] Since the small-diameter boss 103 is biased upward and
rightward by the coil spring 309 via the pivoting portion 308, the
developing frame 98 is moved upward and rightward.
[0222] As a result, the developing frame 98 is moved to the
proximity position (FIG. 8B) at which the developing roller 26 and
photosensitive drum 21 are in contact with each other.
[0223] In this third embodiment as well, the unit frame 325 holds
the developing frame 98 such that the developing frame 98 is
movable between the proximity position and separation position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The same technical advantages as
those in the first embodiment can also be achieved.
10. Fourth Embodiment
[0224] Next, a developing unit 416 according to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
9A and 9B.
[0225] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, like parts and components will be
designated with the same reference numerals as those of the first
embodiment to avoid duplicating description. Further, in order to
duplicate description, a construction different from that of the
first embodiment will only be described in the following
description.
[0226] In the first embodiment, the drive force from a motor (not
illustrated) is inputted to the unit coupling 92 of the movable
member 81 through the coupling portion 70 of the main body coupling
66 (see FIG. 2), as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The cams 90 are
therefore caused to pivotally move between the first position (FIG.
6B) and second position (FIG. 6A).
[0227] On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, as illustrated
in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a user manually moves cams 490 between the
first position (see FIG. 9B) and the second position (see FIG.
9A).
[0228] Specifically, each cam 490 is formed with a restriction hole
493. The restriction hole 493 has an outer peripheral edge whose
rightward portion and leftward portion serve as a restriction
portion 495 and an allowance portion 496, respectively.
[0229] Further, the front cam 490 includes a handle 412 and an
abutment portion 413.
[0230] The handle 412 is formed in a substantially rectangular
shape in a front view, and extends in the radial direction of the
cam 490. The handle 412 protrudes frontward from a lower end
portion of a front surface of the front cam 490.
[0231] The abutment portion 413 has a substantially a rectangular
shape in a front view. The abutment portion 413 protrudes from a
right end portion of the lower end portion of the front cam 490 and
extends therefrom generally downward following the circumferential
direction of the front cam 490.
[0232] Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, an engagement hole 120 is
formed in a lower wall of the guide portion 69 at a position
corresponding to the abutment portion 413. The engagement hole 120
penetrates the lower wall of the guide portion 69 in the up-down
direction so as to allow a lower end portion of the abutment
portion 413 to be inserted therethrough.
[0233] The user holds the handle 412 to manually move the cams 490
between the first position and second position. As a result, the
developing frame 98 can be moved between the proximity position and
separation position in a state where the developing frame 98 is
accommodated in the unit frame 25.
[0234] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the cams 490 are
located at the first position, the abutment portion 413 is inserted
into and engaged with the engagement hole 120 of the guide portion
69. The lower end portion of the abutment portion 413 thus abuts
against the upper surface of the partition wall 65. This abutment
restricts further pivotal movement of the cams 490. This engagement
between the abutment portion 413 and engagement hole 120 also
restricts the developing unit 416 from being moved frontward
(toward the near side in FIG. 9B) from the main casing 2 in the
state where the cams 490 are at the first position.
[0235] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, since the engagement between the
abutment portion 413 and engagement hole 120 is released when the
cams 490 are at the second position, the developing unit 16 is
permitted to be pulled frontward (to the near side in FIG. 9A) from
the main casing 2.
[0236] The same technical advantages as those in the first
embodiment can also be achieved in the fourth embodiment.
[0237] Further, in the fourth embodiment, there is no need to
provide the main body coupling 66 (see FIG. 3) and unit coupling 92
(see FIG. 3), leading to further reduction in the number of
parts.
11. Variations and Modifications
[0238] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the
developing roller 26 and the corresponding photosensitive drum 21
are in contact with each other when the developing frame 98 is at
the proximity position, as shown in FIG. 6B, for example.
[0239] However, alternatively, a slight gap may be provided between
the developing roller 26 and the corresponding photosensitive drum
21 when the developing frame 98 is at the proximity position,
provided that toner can fly (to be transferred) from the developing
roller 26 to the photosensitive drum 21.
[0240] Under such construction, the toner can be supplied from the
developing roller 26 to the corresponding photosensitive drum 21
despite the gap when the developing frame 98 is at the proximity
position. When the developing frame 98 is at the separation
position, the developing roller 26 and corresponding photosensitive
drum 21 can be reliably separated from each other.
[0241] Thus, toner can be reliably supplied to the photosensitive
drum 21 during image formation, while interference between the
developing roller 26 and photosensitive drum 21 during
attachment/detachment of the developing unit 16 can be reliably
prevented.
[0242] Further, the above-described first to fourth embodiments and
variations thereof can be combined appropriately.
[0243] While the invention has been described in detail with
reference to the embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be
made therein without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *